Local Anesthetic-like Inhibition of Voltage-gated Na+Channels by the Partial μ-opioid Receptor Agonist Buprenorphine

Abstract

Buprenorphine is a potent local anesthetic and blocks voltage-gated Na(+) channels via the local anesthetic binding site. This property is likely to be relevant when buprenorphine is used for pain treatment and for local anesthesia.